Senior Design Manager, Toys & Hardlines, Japan

NBC Universal
Tokyo
Workplace: HybridFull timeFunction: Design (Product/UX/UI/Visual)Skills: ["Communication","Leadership","Strategic thinking","Organization","Collaboration"]

Lead product design direction for the Toys & Hardlines licensing business, managing approvals and licensed product development from concept through production. Own design expertise across assigned categories—materials, construction, packaging, branding, and storytelling—while presenting concepts and driving innovation grounded in brand vision and consumer insights. Manage, coach, and collaborate with cross-functional teams, licensees, vendors, and senior leadership to execute category design strategies and align global initiatives for Japan.

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FursaFursa
NBC Universal
NBC Universal
1 month ago

Senior Design Manager, Toys & Hardlines, Japan

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Last checked: 9 hours agoStatus: Live
Reposted: similar role first listed 2 months ago

Job Summary

Lead product design direction for the Toys & Hardlines licensing business, managing approvals and licensed product development from concept through production. Own design expertise across assigned categories—materials, construction, packaging, branding, and storytelling—while presenting concepts and driving innovation grounded in brand vision and consumer insights. Manage, coach, and collaborate with cross-functional teams, licensees, vendors, and senior leadership to execute category design strategies and align global initiatives for Japan.
Location: Tokyo
Workplace: Hybrid
Employment Type: Full time
Job Function: Design (Product/UX/UI/Visual)
Seniority: Manager level

Key Responsibilities

  • •Serve as a subject matter expert in entertainment and consumer products licensing; manage licensed product development and approval processes to protect brand integrity and execution quality.
  • •Lead product approval meetings and oversee approval workflows, schedules, and system management.
  • •Drive design direction across the product lifecycle, covering materials, construction, technical design, packaging, and branding; provide design feedback and approvals aligned with guidelines and consumer expectations.
  • •Develop category design strategies, identify emerging trends and whitespace opportunities, and translate brand vision and consumer insights into differentiated product concepts.
  • •Lead, coach, and develop team members; build relationships with internal stakeholders, licensees, vendors, and senior leadership to remove barriers and ensure timely follow-through.

Key Requirements

  • •Proven people management experience.
  • •Experience leading licensed consumer product design and development in the entertainment industry, from concept through production, including approvals and commercialization.
  • •Experience in licensing, consumer products, or manufacturing industries (preferred).
  • •Native-level proficiency in Japanese; English proficiency preferred.
  • •Strong understanding of product category dynamics, consumer trends, and business strategy.
Experience:LicensingConsumer productsManufacturingEntertainment
Skills:CommunicationLeadershipStrategic thinkingOrganizationCollaboration
Languages:JapaneseEnglish
Tech Stack:Adobe Creative SuitePhotoshopIllustratorInDesignKeynotePowerPointMicrosoft OfficeAdobe FireflyCopilot

Company Brief

NBC Universal
NBCUniversal is a global media and entertainment company producing and distributing film, television, news, sports and streaming content, and operating theme parks and consumer experiences across a portfolio of well-known brands including NBC, Universal Pictures and Peacock.
Industry: Film & Television
Company Size: Enterprise (1,001+ employees)
Revenue: USD 1B+
Growth: Established Company
Headquarters: New York City, United States
Founded: 2004
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